Officials Launch New Beach Website; Certified Tourism Ambassador Program in Preparation for Busy Tourist Season

GALVESTON ISLAND, TX (May 20, 2014) – After setting record visitation numbers last year, Galveston is preparing for a busy summer with the start of its peak tourism season over Memorial Day weekend.

In preparation for the crowds, the Galveston Park Board has launched a new website that will help beachgoers stay updated on beach events, safety tips and surf conditions. The site – www.galvestonbeachinfo.com – features an interactive map complete with real-time weather and water conditions as well as a live webcam feed of the island’s beach parks.

“This website will help address many of the questions we get out on the beachfront and will serve as an excellent tool for educating our visitors about water safety, nature exploration and more,” said Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis.

The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau reports that the island’s beaches and family attractions are the top reasons more than 5.8 million visitors came to Galveston last year.

In addition to the new beach website, the Galveston CVB launched the island’s first Certified Tourism Ambassador program this month. The CTA program is part of a nationally acclaimed certification curriculum designed to enhance tourism by training members of the hospitality industry to contribute in making every visitor encounter a positive experience. The bureau expects hundreds to become certified within the coming weeks.

“We are excited to introduce the CTA program to enhance the level of customer service on the island and to help continue Galveston’s successes into the upcoming tourist season,” said CVB Executive Director Kelly de Schaun.

Heading to Galveston This Summer?

If you’re heading to Galveston this summer, here is a list of tips for planning your trip:

-New this year, METRO will open the I-45 South HOV/HOT lanes to Galveston for all vehicles from Memorial Day to Labor Day as a free service. For information, visitwww.ridemetro.org.

-Galveston has opened a variety of new attractions this year, including the new Sky Trail Explorer Ropes Course & Zip Line at Moody Gardens. For information on new attractions, click here.

-Galveston offers a variety of free entertainment throughout the summer. For details, click here.

-Before you head to the island, visit www.galvestonbeachinfo.com for information on beach events, safety, surf conditions and more.

About the Galveston Park Board of Trustees

The Park Board of Trustees oversees beach maintenance and tourism development on Galveston Island, including operations for beach cleaning, the Galveston Island Beach Patrol and the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information on the Park Board of Trustees, please visit www.galvestonparkboard.org.